Public Hearing Scheduled for Soil Erosion and Pollution Ordinance

News, Police & Government
EPD Soil Erosion

BLAIRSVILLE, GA – September 19 Commissioner meeting included the first reading of the revised Soil Erosion, Sedimentation, and Pollution Control Ordinance with the first public hearing scheduled for October 10 at 5:30 p.m.

The state issued changes to the ordinance which Union County must adopt to stay in accordance with the law. The ordinance is available in the commissioner’s office for anyone who wants to review it.

The model ordinance issued by Georgia’s Environmental Protection Division lists extensive requirements as to how to properly preserve the land. It deals with grading, conservation, sedimentation, trout streams, etc.

For instance, “Practices for the stabilization of erodible or sediment-producing areas by utilizing the mechanical properties of matter for the purpose of either changing the surface of the land or storing, regulating or disposing of runoff to prevent excessive sediment loss.  Examples of structural erosion and sediment control practices are riprap, sediment basins, dikes, level spreaders, waterways or outlets, diversions, grade stabilization structures and sediment traps, etc.  Such practices can be found in the publication Manual for Erosion and Sediment Control in Georgia.”

It also addresses enforcement and fines. Offenders had five days to correct mistakes before the issuing authority returns for an inspection. Fine wise:

“Any person who violates any provisions of this ordinance, or any permit condition or limitation established pursuant to this ordinance, or who negligently or intentionally fails or refuses to comply with any final or emergency order of the Director issued as provided in this ordinance shall be liable for a civil penalty not to exceed $2,500.00 per day.  For the purpose of enforcing the provisions of this ordinance, notwithstanding any provisions in any City charter to the contrary, municipal courts shall be authorized to impose penalty not to exceed $2,500.00 for each violation.”

This information all comes from the model ordinance that the county hasn’t implemented as of yet. The EPD regularly updates the Soil Erosion Ordinance every five years and counties must hold public hearings to inform citizens about the changes.

For a more in-depth review of the changes, attend the public hearing on Oct. 10 at 5:30 p.m.

Feature image is courtesy of Georgia EPD.

Leave a comment

Back to Top